Air-processed TiN coatings on diamond grits via a sacrificial metal strategy
摘要
Diamond abrasives suffer from severe oxidation and interfacial degradation at elevated temperatures, particularly in Fe-based bonding systems, which significantly limits their service reliability. Surface metallization is an effective strategy for mitigating these problems. However, the development of a scalable and economically viable process for the mass fabrication of coated diamond grits remains challenging. Herein, a simple and cost-effective method is proposed for fabricating titanium nitride (TiN) coatings on diamond grits in air. A localized oxygen-deficient environment around the diamond surface is created through the oxidation of Mn, which acts as a sacrificial agent to consume oxygen. This mechanism eliminates the need for vacuum systems or protective atmospheres. In this process, diamond grits are blended with titanium and Mn powders and then heat-treated at 800℃ for 2 h in air. The results confirm the formation of a uniform TiN layer with a thickness of 233 nm on the diamond surface. This coating enhances the impact toughness and oxidation resistance of diamond grits in air, while also improving their corrosion resistance in Fe-based bonding systems. The proposed strategy offers a practical solution for the large-scale, cost-effective production of coated diamond abrasives.